Draft eligible slot WRs who could potentially replace Jarvis Landry

Unless the Miami Dolphins can agree with Jarvis Landry and his representation on a long-term deal in the next month, he will indeed become an unrestricted free agent March 14, 4pm Eastern Standard Time. Landry has made his presence felt since setting foot in the NFL as he’s accounted for at least 80 receptions in each of his four seasons in the league.

Landry’s 400 career receptions leads the NFL for most receptions over a four-year span. He’s essentially been the focal point of the Dolphins offense, but last offseason he witnessed safeties, Reshad Jones, T.J. McDonald, linebacker Kiko Alonso, defensive end Andre Branch and fellow wide receiver Kenny Stills receive new contracts.

The Dolphins’ three-time, Pro Bowl wide receiver’s payday is on the horizon but he could potentially receiver more on the open market than he would donning the aqua and orange.

After struggling as a slot receiver in his rookie season, Jakeem Grant came on late last year as a “Z” receiver. In any event Jarvis Landry leaves for greener pastures in 2018, Grant will likely have every opportunity to become the Dolphins’ “F” receiver. However, Grant’s presence should not preclude them from looking at slot receivers in the 2018 NFL draft.

Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

Kirk is a first-rounder and can play all three wide receiver positions. He’s got speed to burn and can contribute in the return game as well. The Dolphins likely won’t invest in a wide receiver in the first round, but Kirk could play in the slot as a rookie and could transition to “Z” receiver in his second season if DeVante Parker has another sub-optimal season in Miami.

NFL comparison: Odell Beckham Jr.

Antonio Callaway, Florida

Off the field problems in the past will likely push Callaway down draft boards, but in the eyes of many NFL scouts, he’s a first-round talent. Callaway’s raw speed and lateral quickness to make defenders miss after the catch are apparent. He’s also detailed as a route runner and has the ability to become a No. 1 wide receiver in the future. If Miami feels that his off-the-field problems are behind him, he could be a very productive player for them for years to come.

NFL comparison: Robert Woods

DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State

The best route runner in the 2018 NFL draft is DaeSean Hamilton. The reason he’s able to consistently create separation is because of his precise route running and releases off of the line of scrimmage. Hamilton dazzled at the Senior Bowl with his ability to consistently get defensive backs off balance and his ability to quickly get open, will easily translate to the NFL.

NFL comparison: Cooper Kupp

Anthony Miller, Memphis

Not too many draft eligible receivers accelerate quicker than Miller. He runs well after the catch and he tracks the deep ball exceptionally well. One reason he’s able to win 50-50 balls at just 5-foot-11 is that he refrains from reaching from the ball until the very last moment, which can be disorientating for opposing defensive backs. Miller has the position flexibility to play outside the numbers but he would be ideal as a slot receiver in the Dolphins’ offense due to his quickness.

NFL comparison: John Brown

Nyheim Hines, North Carolina State

Hines, who is widely considered the fastest football player in the nation, has played wide receiver and running back during his time at North Carolina State. Too often are players made to play in one spot and Tyreek Hill and Curtis Samuel are utility players forced to masquerade as wide receivers. Both Hill and Samuel should be given opportunities at running back and wide receiver and whoever selects Hines should refrain from placing him in a box. If the Dolphins do take a flyer on him, they should use his speed and versatility to generate mismatches.

Brandon Howard joined the Sports Talk Florida team to cover the Miami Dolphins in April 2017 and will work diligently to provide daily Dolphins content and give accurate analysis of the roster, coaching and front office.
Last season, Howard was the curator of content for Miami Dolphins Wire/ USA Today while aggregating high school sports results in Broward and Palm Beach counties for the Sun Sentinel. Prior to moving to South Florida Howard developed NFL content for Pro Player Insiders while covering the Cleveland Browns from 2014-2015.
Howard, a Columbus, Ohio native graduated from West Virginia in 2004 in Athletic Coaching and Education. He also was a scholarship track and field athlete and walk-on football player. Howard was the 2003 Big East Long and IC4A long jump Champion and was a provisional national qualifier in the event. He also maintained his status as a member of the Athletic Director Academic Honor Roll during his time as a Mountaineer.

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